The Largest Chicken Breeds in the World

There are lots of different types of chickens, from small bantams to huge meat birds. There are many breeds of chickens that people who keep chickens in their yards or who are interested in poultry can choose from. People love some breeds because they lay eggs well, and others because they have pretty feathers. But these chickens are the biggest in the world.

Jersey Giants

The Guinness Book of World Records says that the Jersey Giant is the world’s biggest chicken breed. It was created in the late 1800s as an alternative to turkeys as a favorite holiday bird.

• Roosters weigh 13-15 pounds on average.
• Hens weigh 10-11 pounds.
• Jersey Giants stand tall at 22-26 inches.

People say that Jersey Giants are calm and tame birds, even though they are big. But because they are big, they can get leg problems if they gain too much weight. Jersey Giants are a breed that can be used for both meat and eggs. Hens lay 3-4 extra large brown eggs per week. The hens are also good brooders and mothers.

Brahmas

Brahmas originate from the Brahmaputra region of India but were further developed as a breed in the United States in the 1850s, These gentle giants are more heavily built than the lanky Jersey Giants

• Roosters weigh 12 pounds on average.
• Hens weigh 10 pounds.
• Brahmas stand about 19-23 inches tall.

Their heavily feathered legs and feet along with their puffy plumage makes them appear even larger than they are. Brahmas are calm, friendly chickens that make good pets. They are dual purpose, providing medium-sized brown eggs as well as meat. Hens lay 3-4 eggs per week.

Cochin

The Cochin breed traces its origins to China. When cochins were first brought to England from Shanghai in the 1840s, they started a chicken craze. Their exotic appearance caused quite a stir.

• Roosters weigh 11 pounds.
• Hens weigh 8.5 pounds.
• Cochins stand about 24 inches tall.

With their fluffy, abundant plumage from head to toe, Cochins appear like they are wearing pantaloons. All that feathering makes them well-suited for cold winters. Though originally bred for meat, they are now kept more commonly as ornamental chickens. Hens lay 3-4 extra large brown eggs per week.

Langshan

Langshans were named after the Langshan district of China where they were first bred. They arrived in Europe and America in the late 1800s.

• Roosters weigh around 9-10 pounds on average.
• Hens weigh 7-8 pounds.
• Langshans stand about 26-28 inches tall.

Langshans have a stately, upright posture and are solid heavy birds with a single comb and minimal wattles. They are a dual purpose breed, providing medium-sized brown eggs as well as meat. Hens lay 4-5 eggs per week. Langshans are calm, friendly chickens that do well in confinement or free-range environments.

Orpington

Orpingtons were first bred in England in the late 1800s, likely as a result of crossing Minorcas, Cochins, and Langshans. Their popularity peaked in the 1920s.

• Roosters weigh 10 pounds on average.
• Hens weigh 8 pounds.
• Orpingtons stand about 22-26 inches tall.

With their soft, abundant buff-colored plumage, Orpingtons appear even larger than their already substantial size. They are docile, quiet birds that are hardy and make good mothers. Orpingtons are dual purpose, providing 4-5 extra large brown eggs per week as well as meat.

Cornish

The Cornish breed originated in Cornwall, England and was first used for meat production. It played a key role in the development of modern commercial broiler chickens.

• Roosters weigh about 10.5 pounds on average.
• Hens weigh around 8 pounds.
• Cornish chickens stand about 20-22 inches tall.

Cornish are stocky meat birds with broad breasts and short legs. Their very fast growth rate makes them ready for processing at 6-8 weeks. Hens lay 3-4 medium brown eggs per week. Though still used in some commercial meat production, purebred Cornish are rare today.

Brakel/Braekel

The Brakel (also known as Braekel) chicken comes from the village of Brakel in Belgium where it was developed in the late 1800s.

• Roosters weigh approximately 9 pounds on average.
• Hens weigh around 7 pounds.
• Brakels stand about 22-26 inches tall.

With their large combs, muffs, and beards, Brakels have an imposing presence. They come in a range of color varieties. Brakels are reared mainly for meat production but hens lay a decent number of cream or tinted eggs (3-4 per week). Brakels are a rare breed outside of Europe.

Modern Commercial Broilers

Modern meat chickens raised for commercial production bear little resemblance to their heritage chicken ancestors. Through intensive selective breeding, broilers now grow from chick to processing weight in just 6 weeks.

• Roosters weigh 9-12 pounds at time of processing.
• Hens weigh 7-10 pounds.

Kept in large numbers in indoor systems, broilers are fed high protein rations to fuel their extremely rapid growth. Their size comes at a cost, however, compromising their health, mobility, and welfare.

Choosing the Right Big Breed

While commercial broilers are all about fast growth and meat production, raising one of these gentle giant heritage breeds lets you enjoy their personalities as well as their meat and eggs. Brave the cold winters with a Cochin, or add a friendly Langshan or two to your backyard flock. Just be sure to provide enough space and exercise for these sizable birds. With their dual purpose abilities, stately presence, and calm personalities, one of these big beauties may be the perfect addition for chicken keepers who like their birds supersized.